Iran Pavilion
From Expo ‘74 World’s Fair Spokane, by Dawn Bowers (p. 95-96):
Exterior, Iran Pavilion, from a color slide made by a visitor to Expo.
“Our belief is that the highest priority must be given to the quality of life. We do not want our city horizons contaminated by poisoned air, our villages left with abandoned lands and insanitary water and our people deprived of the beautiful gifts of nature. We will clean our cities and enrich our villages and protect the natural inheritance of our environment for the coming generations.”
His Imperial Majesty, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Aryamehr, Shahanshah of Iran
As a developing nation Iran is at the stage in its history when progress and environmental control could well be at odds. The Iranians have taken the path that the two can be compatible. Other nations’ plights are examples to Iran of the costly mistakes which can be avoided through careful and consistent national planning.
A major developmental objective is environmental protection work with a half billion dollars allocated to the work. Research into problems and potentials will be made to map out detailed strategies with emphasis on making the greatest possible use of studies and research carried out by other countries and coordinated with the natural and geographical specifics of Iran.
Strategy for the attack on pollution has already begun with the formulation of a tax policy that would require the polluter to bear the ultimate cost of pollution. Technical and financial assistance would also be available to enable him to take the required action necessary to solve the problem.
Additionally, the major targets for environmental protection were identified as the preservation of eco-systems, environmental beauty, marine and wildlife together with a campaign against excessive noise and atmospheric pollution.
The execution of each campaign is the duty of the Iranian Department of Environmental Protection which asserts it is just getting into stride and has a long way to travel. But notable and rapid progress has been achieved. There is still much work to be done in Iran over many generations.
The Iran presentation was dedicated to the Great Harmony which exists between man and nature, man and his work, man and his environment, man and his community and the rulers of the land. Films and slides unveiled the beauty and greatness of Iran’s heritage and natural resources. An overview of the country was presented in a diverse collection of images ranging from a single rose with morning dew to the lapping blue waters of the Caspian Sea to the cheering people to a roaring fire of the accumulated gases from oil drilling.
Ruled by a long succession of great kings Iran takes great pride in its monarchy. The Coronation of Empress Farah by the Shananshah was shown interspersed with a staccato series of slides of the natural wonders of the land. Snow tipped mountain peaks, seashores, rolling fields of grain and flowers were the inspiration of Iran’s great artisans. A display of these works showed the wine cups of Achaenenian kings and prehistoric sculpture to the paintings of today and pictures of the rugs of Persia.
A Czechoslovakian puppet exhibit traced man’s history as the creator of beauty, as inspired by nature, from Altamira, Egypt, Greece, China and Persepolis through modern art from the Mona Lisa to the movies. The Puppet Fantasy was an innovative and creative method of displaying Iran’s belief that “men of all ages have worked to create beauty.”
From Bowers, p. 29: “Iran Pavilion featured ancient heritage artifacts, traditional garb of country.”
